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Butterflyweed, Asclepias tuberosa, Seeds

Asclepias tuberosa is a species of milkweed native to eastern North America. It is a perennial plant growing to 0.3–1 metre (1 ft 0 in–3 ft 3 in) tall, with clustered orange or yellow flowers from early summer to early fall. The leaves are spirally arranged, lanceolate, 5–12 cm long, and 2–3 cm broad.

This plant favors dry, sand or gravel soil, but has also been reported on stream margins. It requires full sun.

It is commonly known as Butterfly Weed because of the butterflies that are attracted to the plant by its color and its copious production of nectar. It is also the larval food plant of the Queen and Monarch butterflies. Hummingbirds, bees and other insects are also attracted

Season: Perennial

USDA Zones: 3 - 9

Height: 28 inches

Bloom Season: Summer and fall

Bloom Color: Orange

Environment: Full sun

Butterflyweed is a host plant for many butterflies, who visit the plant for nectar, and also lay eggs on the plant to provide food for the emerging caterpillars. An easy to grow perennial that reaches 2' and is drought tolerant. Sow in winter or cold stratify the seed in spring prior to planting.

Many gardeners recommend a cold treatment to help Asclepias Tuberosa seeds germinate more quickly. To do this, dampen a paper towel, place the flower seeds on the towel and seal it in a ziploc bag. Place the bag in the refrigerator for 3 - 4 weeks. After the cold treatment, start the Butterfly Weed seeds indoors. Do not cover the flower seeds as they need light to germinate. Transplant the Butterfly Weed plants outdoors once temperatures are warm and plants have 4 - 5 leaves.

WARNINGAll milkweeds are poisonous if ingested, and the milky sap is a skin irritant. The butterflies whose caterpillars feed on milkweeds contain the same poisonous glycosides and are poisonous as well.